Then take the easy days easy, hard days hard.

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Rev3 Knoxville Olympic Preview

My first professional race this weekend. It’s my ‘job’ to race triathlons now. I feel like a kid in a candy shop right now. Part of me doesn’t feel like the weight of my dream process is hitting on all cylinders right now while the other part is screaming wooohooooo! Either way, I’m happy. I get to race, but now I can possibly earn some money and represent some companies that feel its worth investing money and product into me and what I bring to the triathlon table.

I’ve got a deuzy of a first race lined up too. As of me typing this out on my phone in a parking lot in Phili on a Thursday afternoon there are 33 elite men toeing the line. We are taking former and current (2012) Olympians, multiple time Olympic distance and 70.3 winners, Toyota Cup champs, and over 10-20 guys who can run half marathons at the pace I run a 10k. It’s exciting and intimidating all at the same time. I know Ive stepped my game up a lot this year with training but you don’t really know how far you’ve come until you lay it on the line in the first race of the season. I’ve certainly got my work cut out for me that’s for sure!

I like it that way. The hard way. I’m always one to choose a more difficult path, always have been. So this fast fast fast race breaks down into an out-and-back swim that receives some decent current aid on the way home. That is followed by a .3 mile run to transition (I never race with short transition runs some how). From there we have the very fast and technical 40k bike course. I believe there are a few category climbs that offer screaming fast, twisty descents. Another transition run follows with a slightly rolling run. Sounds peachy to me!

The swim will be decent. I’ve spent a lot of time working on my swim this year and I’m really hoping it pays off at Knoxville. I’d like to set up a good race with a solid swim here. All signs point to a super cold water temp so I’ll have the opportunity to rock my new Profile Design Marlin wetsuit and that should help matters for me too.

The bike has always been more forte. I haven’t spent a whole ton of time on my riding this year in order to focus my energy on the swim and run so I’m looking to maintain much of what I was capable of last year. The fast guys ride this bike course in 55 and 56 minutes. It would be stellar if I was in that ballpark. I threw down a time like that last year so if I’m ready to rock all signs point to being able to keep up with the field.

Then I run! The big equalizer for good ol Nick! I’m running the fastest I’ve ever been able to in my life these last few weeks. The question becomes is that enough for a good day and money or a just a good day. I’d like to think I have it in me now but there are so many variables and so many fast guys out there this year. The prospect of elevating my running game to match some others is very exciting. I’ve never been in this position before and I’m really looking to make the most of it.

As I’ve said this race is very fast. I’m excited to be able to race the best guys in the sport. I’m not traditionally a fast Olympic guy but I really want to be and I’ve been hard at work to get there. My goal races this year are all 70.3s but Olympic races like this will really help me set up the speed I need to do well at the 70.3 distance.

I’m really excited to race with 4 of my USPro Tri teammates and rock the new kit with some Free Speed Sports gear too. Regardless of the outcome, I’m ready to give this race my all and so excited to begin this chapter of my life.